Manchester United expect Marcus Rashford to rejoin preseason after the 2026 World Cup, with the club’s position only changing if a permanent move is agreed before then. The 28-year-old came off the bench for England against Croatia and scored, his second international goal in almost three years after also netting in September’s win over Serbia.

Rashford remains a United player under contract until 2028 and “fully welcome back.” He was included alongside Bruno Fernandes in a daily World Cup roundup on the club’s website the morning after his England display. BBC Sport reports the player is expected to report for preseason at Carrington once his mandatory post-World Cup, three-week holiday is over. That plan will only change should a move be arranged before that time.

A season at Barcelona in 2025–26 served as a reset after a difficult 2024 at United. He registered 28 goals and assists for Barcelona and made almost 50 appearances across all competitions. Barcelona did not exercise their option to buy because it made more financial sense to sign Anthony Gordon instead.

Reports this week outlined a $52.9 million (£40 million) release clause, triggerable by any clubs other than Manchester City or Liverpool. That figure is almost twice the option Barcelona passed in the region of $35 million (£26 million) and positions Rashford attractively on the market.

Five clubs stand out in the reporting as plausible suitors. Aston Villa could make sense: Rashford valued his loan at Villa Park under Unai Emery, Villa return to Champions League football for 2026–27 and they have a clear vacancy on the left following Jadon Sancho’s exit. Newcastle could also be interested after a season hampered by Champions League demands and the sale of Anthony Gordon. Napoli are named as a possible destination after helping other former United players rebuild and with question marks over Romelu Lukaku. Paris Saint-Germain represent another option given their rotation in pursuit of a Champions League triple and links around Bradley Barcola. Bayern Munich remain a long-term example of a club that can reinvigorate a player’s career.

If Rashford wants to remain at United, that is possible; if he seeks a permanent exit, the release clause creates a clear pathway for interested clubs.

Barcelona have opted not to trigger the purchase clause for Marcus Rashford, making the temporary move effectively over and leaving the forward to return to Manchester United once his World Cup duties with England finish. The decision on June 16 closes one chapter but opens several possible outcomes for the 28-year-old.

Rashford enjoyed a productive season at Barcelona, making 49 appearances and recording 14 goals and 14 assists. He impressed primarily on the left wing while also filling in on the right and as a central striker, his versatility a feature that first attracted interest.

Early in the campaign a permanent deal for around €30 million seemed straightforward, but the narrative shifted. Barcelona’s subsequent €70 million signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United demonstrated the club had transfer funds available. Reports suggest the real sticking point was amortization and the financial impact spread over contract years, with Gordon viewed as having a more favourable effect on the club’s accounts partly because he is three years younger than Rashford. Inside Camp Nou the view is that Gordon’s defensive work rate better suits Hansi Flick’s tactical demands.

Despite choosing Gordon, Barcelona remain open to Rashford if circumstances change. They reportedly tried to negotiate a lower fee with United and were prepared to agree terms for a reduced price, but Manchester United declined further discounts and gave an unenthusiastic response to suggestions of a second loan. Barcelona’s stance is that Rashford is welcome back, but not at the club’s current valuation.

Reports indicate Rashford would welcome a return to Barcelona, yet his fate hinges on United lowering their demands. La Liga sources believe Barcelona are counting on Rashford refusing other offers to force United into a choice: pay his reported weekly wages of around $435,000 or reopen talks.

Rashford’s exit from United originally occurred under former manager Ruben Amorim. The environment at Old Trafford has since changed, with Michael Carrick now in the dugout permanently. A return to Manchester to rebuild has been floated and remains possible, likely driven by necessity rather than preference.

Other clubs linked in speculation include Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. According to The Athletic, United have a clause making Rashford available for $54 million (£40 million) this summer to all suitors except Liverpool and Manchester City. The player reportedly prefers not to remain in England with another Premier League club if it is not with Manchester United.

Barcelona will have 15 players at the World Cup this summer, but the club’s recruitment team will also be watching a group of possible additions competing in Qatar. The club has already completed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and remains intent on strengthening defence, midfield and the forward line.

João Cancelo spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona from Al Hilal and is determined to make the move permanent. The versatile fullback will represent Portugal this summer and will be eager to impress to enhance his value in negotiations.

Marc Cucurella appears increasingly likely to leave Chelsea and has emerged as a contender for Spain’s left back position. Alejandro Grimaldo, Spain’s understudy in that role, is thought to be interested in a return to La Liga from Bayer Leverkusen, and Barcelona have been linked with him.

Two central defenders under observation will wear the Croatia shirt. Joško Gvardiol has been linked with a Spanish move this summer, with Real Madrid leading the race if he does not sign a new contract at Manchester City. Barcelona remain interested if the finances are right. Luka Vušković could be an alternative after a strong loan at Hamburg, and his parent club Tottenham Hotspur might be forced to sell following a difficult season.

Midfield interest centres on Bernardo Silva, available on a free transfer after his exit from Manchester City. Barcelona are described as being in the driver’s seat for any potential deal, which would likely be discussed after Portugal’s World Cup campaign.

On the wings, Barcelona have already added Gordon but remain linked with Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain, despite his second successive Champions League win with the French club. Up front, Marcus Rashford, who spent last season on loan from Manchester United, remains of interest. Barcelona will not trigger the permanent buy option but could open negotiations with Manchester United at a lower price; Rashford would also need to reduce his wages.

Julián Alvarez is described as the club’s priority target this summer, though talks with Atlético Madrid are expected to be awkward and expensive. Real Madrid saw their $173 million bid for the Argentina international rejected. For now, Alvarez will focus on securing a second World Cup title.

Group stage matches for each player are listed in the tournament schedules and will form key opportunities for Barcelona to assess potential signings.